High load dispersions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the field of carrier and delivery systems for active molecular compounds. In particular, the present invention provides aqueous dispersions for delivery of active molecular compounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/432,381 filed Jan. 13, 2011, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of carrier and deliverysystems for active molecular compounds. In particular, the presentinvention provides aqueous dispersions for delivery of active molecularcompounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current delivery systems for various biologically active compounds donot provide prolonged effects without high doses or frequentreapplication. In addition, topical application of such compoundsfrequently results in side effects such as irritation or toxicity. Theirritation in many cases can rise to the level of pain, e.g., in thecase of application of free halogens or alcohols. In addition, carriersystems themselves can create undesirable side effects.

As an example, hand antiseptic agents are designed to remove mosttransient flora just as plain soaps and detergents do, but they areunable to exert either a persistent or a residual antimicrobial activityon remaining flora. This contributes to making hospital environmentsvery dangerous, especially to patients, because there are no products ingeneral use on the market that allow for both immediate and sustainedkill of microbes required to prevent hospital acquired infections.Currently, only superficial cleaning is provided and this is not goodenough for the healthcare environment. In part, as a result of thissuperficial cleaning, it is believed that as many as 100,000 people dieeach year from hospital acquired infections. There is a danger ofinfection for every patient that enters a hospital, especially thosebound for surgery, because there are currently insufficient reliablemeans of removing, reducing, and maintaining the reduction of pathogenson the hands of nurses, doctors and surgeons to a degree necessary toentirely prevent infection. Currently accepted methods/standards onlyrequire hand hygiene products to achieve a 2-3 log reduction in vivo inorder to enter the professional care/healthcare market withoutconsidering extended antimicrobial effects. Failure to consider extendedeffects is at odds with the fact that hospital patients are already notwell and generally have depressed immune systems which put them at highrisk for infection, and are therefore the population most in need of aneffective/reliable pathogen killer.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, so far, have been the preferred agentsfor hygienic, so-called “waterless” hand-disinfection hand-rubs becausethey seem to offer more convenience than aqueous solutions and becausethey purport to offer an optimal antimicrobial spectrum (that is, theyare active against all bacteria and most clinically important viruses,yeasts, and fungi); no wash basin is necessary for their use, and theycan be readily available at bedsides. It has been shown thatalcohol-based preparations in general have more rapid action thanproducts containing other antiseptics (e.g., chlorhexidine gluconate orprovidone iodine), require less time than traditional hand washing, andcontribute to decreased infection rates. Furthermore, they are notlikely to microbially contaminate health-care workers' clothing; andexhibit rapid action.

However, alcohol-based hand washes have several drawbacks. For one, insome cases frequent hand-washing even with alcohol, may not result inthe desired microbial reduction. For example, after performing a vaginalexamination, it is recommended to disinfect hands in a chlorinatedsolution. More importantly, alcohol-based hand sanitizers stop workingthe instant they dry. That is, as soon as the alcohol evaporates, itsanti-microbial activity ceases. In addition, alcohol washes do notexhibit persistence in their anti-microbial activity. Although theleading manufacturer of alcohol-based hand sanitizers claims that theirproduct kills 99.99% of most common microorganisms in as little as 15seconds, the alcohol-based hand sanitizers dry in 8-10 seconds and fallbelow the efficacious concentration of alcohol in seconds.Recontamination occurs as soon as the hands come into contact with acontaminated surface. Moreover, recontamination is also likely to occureven before the hands come into contact with a contaminated surface. Itis now known that contamination can occur by contact with microbes thatare in the room atmosphere.

It has been reported that alcohol-based hand sanitizers offer noresidual protection, and that if a user's hands feel dry after rubbingthem together for 15 seconds, an insufficient volume of sanitizer waslikely applied (e.g., A laboratory model for the investigation ofcontact transfer of microorganisms, Marples, R. R. & Towers, A. G. TheJournal of Hygiene, 82(2), 237-248 (1979); herein incorporated byreference in its entirety). Moreover, gelled alcohol-based handsanitizers became less effective with repeated use and made the skindirtier, not cleaner due to removal of protective natural skin oils andentrapment of dead skin cells by the polymer thickeners used in thegelled alcohol-based products. In a referenced study to simulaterepeated usage, subject's alcohol-based sanitized hands were repeatedlyinoculated with bacteria followed by an application of hand sanitizer,then evaluated for antimicrobial effectiveness. The antimicrobialefficacy of the alcohol-based hand sanitizer showed a markedly decreasedantimicrobial efficacy with subsequent contamination and decontaminationcycles. In addition to these objective results, subjects were asked tosubjectively evaluate the condition of their hands after the completionof the test protocol. 47% of the subjects who had completed the testprotocol with the alcohol-based hand sanitizer reported palmar pain ordiscomfort, and tended to indicate some discomfort in palmar surfacesfor one to several days after the test. (e.g., Testing a new,alcohol-free sanitizer to combat infection, Dyer, D. L., Gerenraich, K.B., & Wadhams, P. S., Association of Operating Room Nurses Journal,68(2), 239-251 (1998); herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety).

Thus, in a manner similar to other topically applied active compounds,the desired effects of the active ingredient does not last.

An additional problem with alcohol-based hand wash preparations is thefact that alcohol-based hand wash preparations tend to strip the skin ofessential oils and sebum, which is a further undesirable side effect.Moreover, when they are applied to wounds not only do alcohol-based handwash preparations increase the risk of injury to the tissue of the woundand cause pain, they also form a coagulum under which bacteria maysubsequently thrive (e.g., Testing a New Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitized toCombat Infection, Dyer, D. D., Gerenraich, K. B., and Wadhams, P. S.,AORN Journal, Vol. 68, No. 2, Pages 239-251 (1998); herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety).

Wearing gloves to prevent re-infection of hands presents similarproblems in compliance with hand hygiene. Gloves may be thought of asadding another layer of skin to one's hands, but failure to thoroughlywash gloved hands, remove, or change gloves after each patient or othercontaminating contact, results in the same germ transfer problem.Moreover, it is known that many potential glove wearers are allergic tothe gloves or the powders used with the gloves.

It can be seen there is a problem in the field in that while many activecompounds can be effective, the effectiveness may be transient, e.g.,the immediate effectiveness of many of the presently availablehand-sanitizers, including soap, detergents, and antiseptic agents, aswell as the alcohol washes discussed above, may be acceptable at thetime of washing, their effectiveness quickly diminishes in a short timeafter washing, frequently measured in seconds.

Similar problems, e.g., with sustained effectiveness and side effectsarise in other types of dispersions for topical use, e.g., topicalanalgesics, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, colorant, keratolytics,etc. and perhaps even for oral use, e.g., a clay loaded with ananti-diarrheal compound, purgative, antacid or antibiotic.

A number of patents address the possibility of causing an antimicrobialcompound bound to a substrate to be suspended in water. Specific patentsare U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,015,816; 6,288,076; and U.S. Patent Publication2003/0161866A1; herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.U.S. Patent publication 2003/0161866 recognizes that suspensions inwater of ion exchange materials such as clays may be combined withcertain ligands. Suspensions as describe in these patent publicationsare generally of very low viscosity and the publication does not seem torecognize that the compositions they describe simply seem to run fromsurfaces to which they are applied. While this may be acceptable innon-topical applications where the application can be quickly dried athigh temperature, such would not be acceptable in topical applicationswhere skin may not be exposed to sufficiently high temperatures forquick drying. Thus none of the above approaches provide sufficientbenefit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods for the preparation anduse of a dispersion that permits high loading of active ingredients thatpermit the active ingredients to provide both immediate and long lastingeffects.

Also provided herein are formulations and formulation methods comprisingdisinfecting solution that allows for a slow release of an activedisinfecting component over time.

Further provided herein are compositions that reduce toxicity,irritation and side effects of included active ingredients.

Further provided herein are formulations that adhere to a biologicalsurface, e.g., skin, for an extended period of time and reduces thespread of infection.

Further provided herein are disinfecting compositions that include askin moisturizing component, a humectant component and/or a thickeningcomponent.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a compositioncomprising a dispersion having: (a) a continuous phase, wherein thecontinuous phase is an aqueous liquid or gel; and (b) a dispersed phasecomprising: (i) a hydrophilic submicron particle substrate havingelectrically charged binding sites; (ii) an intermediate componentcomprising a first hydrophobic moiety and an ionic moiety, wherein theionic moiety is attracted to the electrically charged binding sites; and(iii) an active agent comprising a second hydrophobic moiety attractedto the first hydrophobic moiety. In some embodiments, the dispersedphase comprises a particulate material suspended within the continuousphase. In some embodiments, dispersions further comprise (c) at leastone of a humectant, emollient, detackifier, moisturizer, thickener, orchelating agent suspended or dissolved in the continuous phase. In someembodiments, the dispersion is configured for topical administration toa subject. In some embodiments, the continuous aqueous phase comprisesan epidermally compatible humectants, an epidermally compatiblethickener, or both. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic submicronparticle substrate comprises a hydrophilic clay. In some embodiments,the hydrophilic clay comprises one or more of smectite, LAPONITE® andbentonite clays. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic clay comprisesLAPONITE®. In some embodiments, the intermediate component comprises aquaternary ammonium compound. In some embodiments, the quaternaryammonium compound comprises benzethonium chloride or derivativesthereof. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises one or more of:an antimicrobial, an analgesic, an anti-fungal, an insect repellent, anantiperspirant, and an anti-inflammatory. In some embodiments, theactive agent comprises an antimicrobial. In some embodiments, thedispersion comprises a chelating agent. In some embodiments, thechelating agent is a gluconate. In some embodiments, the dispersioncomprises an emulsifier. In some embodiments, the emulsifier is chosenfrom a group comprising cetyl alcohol and nonionic emulsifying waxes. Insome embodiments, the dispersion comprises a humectant. In someembodiments, the humectant is chosen from a group comprising glycerol,propylene glycol, liquid silicone, and mixtures thereof. In someembodiments, the dispersion comprises a moisturizer. In someembodiments, the moisturizer is selected from the group comprisingcombined gluconolactone and sodium benzoate, glycerine, and olive oil.In some embodiments, the dispersion comprises a detackifier. In someembodiments, the detackifier is silicone fluid. In some embodiments, thedispersion comprises an emollient. In some embodiments, the emollient ispentaerythrityl tetracaprylate. In some embodiments, the dispersioncomprises a thickener. In some embodiments, the thickener is a gellingagent. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is gelatin or collagen. Insome embodiments, the dispersion comprises a primary layer, anintermediate layer, and a tertiary layer, wherein the primary layercomprises the hydrophilic submicron particles, wherein the tertiarylayer comprises the active agent, and wherein sad intermediate layercomprises the intermediate agent linking the primary layer and thetertiary layer.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of making adispersion as described above, comprising the steps of: (a) combininghydrophilic submicron particles with an intermediate component to obtainan intermediate blend, wherein the combining is performed in the absenceof complete drying; (b) suspending the intermediate blend in thecontinuous phase to obtain a dispersion of particles in the continuousaqueous phase, wherein the ionic moiety of the intermediate componentinteracts with the electrically charged binding sites of the hydrophilicsubmicron particles, and wherein the first hydrophobic moiety isdisplayed on the surface of the particles; and (c) adding the activeagent, wherein the second hydrophobic moiety interacts with the firsthydrophobic moiety, thereby linking the active agent to the hydrophilicsubmicron particles through the intermediate component. In someembodiments, the continuous phase comprises water and at least one of amoisturizer, humectant, a chelating agent and a thickener.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a method of makingan antimicrobial carrier system comprising the steps of: (a) adding atleast one of a moisturizer or humectant to water to form an aqueoussuspension; (b) mixing a hydrophilic clay and a quaternary compound toproduce a clay and quaternary compound mixture; (c) adding water to theclay and quaternary compound mixture to form a hydrophilicclay-quaternary ammonium compound combination; (d) combining the aqueoussuspension and the hydrophilic clay-quaternary ammonium compoundcombination to obtain a suspension; (e) heating the suspension; (f)dispersing at least one of a gelling agent, a skin adherent, ahumectant, a detackifier, a nonaqueous moisturizer, ananti-inflammatory, an emollient, and an emulsifier to obtain adispersion; (g) heating the dispersion; (h) mixing the dispersion withthe suspension; and (i) homogenizing the resulting composition. In someembodiments, the heating steps are performed between 70 and 90° C. Insome embodiments, methods further comprise adjusting the pH of theresulting composition between about 5.2 to about 6.2.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of making acarrier system for an active agent, wherein the active agent comprises acationic moiety and a hydrophobic moiety, comprising: (a) mixing theactive agent and a hydrophilic submicron particle substrate to form anactive agent-particle mixture; (b) suspending the active agent-particlemixture in an aqueous liquid to form a suspension; and (c) incorporatingthe suspension into a carrier comprising at least one of a gellingagent, a skin adherent, a humectant, a detackifier, a moisturizer, ananti-inflammatory, an emollient, and an emulsifier. In some embodiments,the method further comprises adjusting the pH of the carrier system tobetween about 5.2 to about 6.2.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method fordisinfecting a surface comprising contacting the surface with adispersion comprising an antimicrobial compound. In some embodiments,the surface is an epidermal surface.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of applyinga medicament to an epidermal surface comprising applying a dispersioncomprising a medicament.

In some embodiments, a method of the present invention further providescompositions made by any of the manufacturing methods described herein.In some embodiments, the present invention provides manufacturingmethods for any of the compositions described herein.

In further embodiments, the present invention provides methods fordisinfecting a surface (e.g., skin, wound, mucosal tissue, etc.)including the step of contacting the surface with the above describedcomposition wherein the tertiary layer contains an antimicrobialcompound.

In some embodiments, the invention provides for the use of any of thecompositions described herein for the treatment of a surface (e.g.,topical treatment of subjects). In some embodiments, the inventionprovides for the use of any of the compounds for the preparation of amedicament for treating a disease or condition (e.g., a disease orcondition caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungi).

In some embodiments, the present invention provides the use ofdispersion of the present invention in the preparation of a medicamentfor treating one or more conditions including, but not limited to: acne,infection, wound infection, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bar graph showing that BTC (benzethonium chloride) bound tobentonite exhibits a sustained kill whereas the free BTC showed a fastkill of S. aureus.

FIG. 2 is a bar graph showing that BTC bound to LAPONITE® clay exhibitsa sustained kill whereas the free BTC showed a fast kill of S. aureus.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing percent binding of quaternary compound toLAPONITE® clay available binding sites relative to amount of quaternarycompound provided.

FIG. 4 shows a graph of microbial reduction by free and boundbenzalkonium chloride for various microorganisms.

FIG. 5 shows a graph of absorption of various benzethonium chloridecompositions across a membrane.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “dispersion” refers to a stable suspension.Such dispersions may be stable due to particle size and/or the presenceof components having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic sites, e.g., as ina surfactant or emulsifier.

As used herein, the terms “continuous phase” and “dispersed phase” arerelated to a dispersion system, in which a first material is dispersedwithin a second material fine solid or liquid particles. In such adispersion system, the term “continuous phase” refers to a first phasesurrounding a second “dispersed phase.” The “dispersed phase” refers tothe suspended particles or liquid droplets dispersed in the continuousphase.

As used herein, the term “emulsion” refers to a heterogeneous systemconsisting of a continuous phase and a non-continuous phase capable offorming droplets in the continuous phase.

As used herein, the term “emulsifier” refers to an agent that can reduceand/or eliminate the surface and the interfacial tension in a two-phasesystem. The emulsifier agent may possess both hydrophilic and lipophilicgroups. The emulsifier may be considered to be either in the continuousphase, dispersed phase, or both.

As used herein, the phrase “in association with” is intended to includeany or all of: chemical combination, charge attraction, entrapment,whole or partial dissolution, and suspension.

As used herein, the term “topically” refers to application of thecompositions of the present invention to the surface of the skin, awound, and/or mucosal cells or tissues (e.g., alveolar, buccal, lingual,masticatory, or nasal mucosa, etc.).

As used herein, the term “active ingredient” or “active compound” refersto an ingredient or compound having an intended biological effect.“Active ingredient” may be broadly construed to include an activecompound and vice versa. Such active ingredients or active compounds arethus considered to be “biologically active”.

As used herein, the term “humectant” refers to a hygroscopic compoundhaving a plurality of hydrophilic groups (e.g., glycerin (glycerol),propylene glycol, etc.).

As used herein, the term “moisturizer” refers to a composition that,when applied to a surface (e.g. skin, mucosal tissue, wound, etc.)causes retention of water within the surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of carrier and deliverysystems for active molecular compounds. In particular, the presentinvention provides aqueous dispersions for delivery of active molecularcompounds.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a dispersioncomprising a dispersed phase within a continuous or aqueous phase. Insome embodiments, a continuous phase comprises a liquid or gel, and mayoptionally comprise one or more of a humectant, emollient, detackifier,moisturizer, thickener, chelating agent, or other additive. In someembodiments, a dispersed phase comprises: a hydrophilic particlesubstrate having electrically charged binding sites, an intermediatecomponent comprising a hydrophobic moiety and an ionic moiety (e.g.electrically charged moiety, hydrophilic moiety), and an active agent(e.g., biologically active agent (e.g., antimicrobial agent, etc.)comprising a hydrophobic moiety. In some embodiments, the ionic moietyof the intermediate component is attracted to the electrically chargedbinding sites of the hydrophilic particle substrate. In someembodiments, the hydrophobic moiety of the intermediate component isattracted to the hydrophobic moiety of the active agent. In someembodiments, attractive forces between the intermediate component andboth the hydrophilic particle substrate and active agent cause thecomponents to assemble into a complex or supermolecular particle.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides dispersions fortopical administration (e.g. administration to skin, mucosal tissues,wounds, etc.). In some embodiments, when the dispersion of the inventionis used topically, the dispersion includes ingredients desired or neededfor the intended topical use of the composition, e.g., an alcohol suchas ethanol or isopropanol, a humectant, a moisturizer, a thickeningagent or mixtures thereof with each other or with other ingredientsdissolved or suspended in the continuous aqueous phase. It is to beunderstood that such ingredients may be dissolved or suspended in thecontinuous aqueous phase and/or may be in association with othercomponents suspended in the aqueous phase. Emulsifiers, e.g., chosenfrom cetyl alcohol and nonionic emulsifying waxes, may be considered tobe in the aqueous phase or in partial solution with both the continuousaqueous phase and dispersed phase when the dispersed phase includeshydrophobic droplets. In some embodiments, humectants for use with thepresent invention include, but are not limited to: glycerol, propyleneglycol and mixtures thereof and are usually in the continuous aqueousphase. In some embodiments, moisturizers for use with the presentinvention include, but are not limited to: combined gluconolactone andsodium benzoate, glycerin, and olive oil where hydrophobic moisturizersare suspended in the aqueous phase either alone or in association withsuspended particles. In some embodiments, a thickener is a gelling agent(e.g., gelatin or collagen).

Dispersions

In some embodiments, compositions (e.g. dispersions) have viscosities ofat least 100 centipoise (e.g., >100 centipoise, 100-150 centipoise,150-200 centipoise, >200 centipoise, 200-300 centipoise, >300centipoise, >500 centipoise). In some embodiments, compositions haveviscosities of 150-200 centipoise. In some embodiments, compositionshave viscosities of greater than about 1000 centipoise (e.g., 1000centipoise . . . 2000 centipoise . . . 5000 centipoise . . . 10,000centipoise . . . 20,000 centipoise . . . 50,000 centipoise . . . 100,000centipoise . . . 200,000 centipoise, etc.). In some embodiments,compositions are gels. In some embodiments, desired viscosities areobtained by inclusion of gelling agents, high viscosity additives, andincrease concentration of solids(e.g., >10%, >15%, >20%, >25%, >30%, >40%, >50%, etc.).

In some embodiments, a dispersion has a continuous aqueous phasecontaining particulate material held in suspension by small particlesize, e.g., sub-micron, or by an emulsifier. In some embodiments, adispersion has a suspended phase including suspended microparticles orsmaller and may include hydrophobic droplets. The droplets and sometimessolid particles, may be held in suspension with the assistance of anemulsifier. In some embodiments, “continuous aqueous phase” or “aqueousphase” refers to the continuous phase surrounding solid particle and/orhydrophobic droplets. The aqueous phase thus contains suspended ordissolved components, e.g., thickeners, gelling agents, humectants,moisturizers, emulsifiers, chelating agents, stabilizers, adherents,emollients, dyes and fragrances. Emollients and emulsifiers may beconsidered as being in an intermediate phases between aqueous (polar)and non-polar (oil) phases. The particles and hydrophobic droplets maybe considered to be the suspended phase. The water used to form theaqueous phase is deionized water obtained by any known means, e.g., ionexchange resins or distillation in an inert system, e.g., innon-reactive glass, or reverse osmosis.

In some embodiments, the compounds used for the intermediate componentscomprise ligands, i.e., bound to the central particle and arranged toaccept additional components at exposed portions. In some embodiments,compound for use in an intermediate layer is a quaternary ammoniumcompound having a hydrophobic tail; although, any other compound havingan ionic structure may be used and attracted as above described.

Ligands having antimicrobial properties include compounds havingreactive inorganic cations, particularly those which have one or moreelectrons available for chemical reactions (e.g., transition metals) andcompounds containing organic cations known to have bactericidalactivity. For example, the antimicrobial effects of quaternary ammoniumcompounds, iodophor compounds, phenolics, alcohol, chlorine, peroxides,aldehydes and metals have been well documented. For further detail, seeU.S. Pat. No. 6,288,076, which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety. Ligands having antimicrobial properties which areparticularly desirable for use as ligands in the present inventioninclude quaternary ammonium compounds, transition metals, organometallic compounds, perchlorates, charged halogen-containing compounds,charged organic peroxides, ionic polymers, ionic surfactants, andmixtures thereof.

Especially desirable quaternary ammonium compounds includehexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, trimethylphenyl ammonium chloride,and mixtures thereof. Especially desirable transition metals includecopper, iron, manganese, zinc, silver, mercury, and mixtures thereof.The antimicrobial agent of the present invention includes ligandsattached to the colloidal particles in excess of and up to 200% of theC.E.C. of the colloid particles, resulting in greater efficacy of theantimicrobial agent.

A preferred quaternary compound having cationic activity is benzethoniumchloride. Benzethonium chloride, having an ionic hydrophilic site and ahydrophobic tail and being an antimicrobial and thus active may be usedin both the secondary and tertiary layers. The benzethonium chloride maybe present in an amount of 0.5% by weight of solids.

Quaternary ammonium compound may be used as a secondary layer and/or anantimicrobial tertiary layer, e.g., in an amount of 0.50% by weight ofsolids.

When compounds have such properties they may be directly and indirectlyloaded onto the particle substrate in two layers. Complete loading on asingle layer may be considered as a 100% loading and when completeloading occurs on both the intermediate secondary and tertiary layers,loading may be considered to be 200%. The present invention may permitloading as high as 200% or even higher due to additional complexinteractions.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides particle substrates.In some embodiments, particle substrates comprise hydrophilic particlesubstrates. In some embodiments, particle substrates comprisehydrophilic submicorn particle substrates. In some embodiments, particlesubstrates comprise electrically charged binding sites. In someembodiments, particle substrates comprise hydrophilic sites (e.g.,hydrophilic binding sites). In some embodiments, hydrophilic sites aredue to ionic moieties, e.g., a quaternary, carboxy, sulfo, phosphor, ora polar component such as may be found in a chemically bound oxygen,nitrogen, sulfur or phosphorous atom having an exposed electron pair.Such components may be compounds or aggregations. Particular examplesare anionic, cationic and non-ionic groups as may be found insurfactants. In some embodiments, particle substrates have submicrondiameters (e.g., <1 μm, <0.5 μm, <0.2 μm, <0.1 μm, <0.05 μm, <0.02 μm,<0.01 μm, etc.). In some embodiments, submicron size provides stability.In some embodiments, submicron particles are nanoparticles that requireno stabilization.

As used here, the term “particle substrate” means a particle that actsas a substrate for an interaction with an agent, compound, ligand,reactive group, functional group, etc. An example of particle substratesthat find use in the present invention is a hydrophilic hydrated clay.Such clays are primarily aluminosilicates in which some of the aluminiumand silicon ions have been replaced by elements with different valence,or charge. For example, aluminium (A³⁺) may be replaced by iron (Fe²⁺)or magnesium (Mg²⁺), leading to a net negative charge. This chargeattracts positive cations which in turn may attract a correspondinganion.

The particles may be organic and inorganic particles, includingnano-particles. Preferred inorganic materials have surface areas rangingfrom 50-1000 m²/gm, with surface areas of 500-800 m²/gm being especiallydesirable. Useful synthetic types of clay-type minerals include asynthetic hectorite, which is a layered hydrous magnesium silicate, suchas LAPONITE® (Southern Clay Products, Gonzales, Tex.), a syntheticmica-montmorillonite, such as BARASYM, (Baroid Division, NL Industries,Houston, Tex.) and mixtures thereof. Useful naturally occurring clayminerals include swelling clays such as aliettite, beidellite,bentonite, nontronite, saponite, sauconite, stevensite, swinefordite,volkonskoite, yakhontovite, hectorite, montmorillonite (such as BPcolloid), and mixtures thereof. Other useful materials (both syntheticand naturally occurring) include, but are not limited to polymers,zeolites, layered double hydroxides, illite, chlorite, kaolinite,hydrotalcite, talc, halloysite, sepiolite, and palygorskite, as well asother minerals such as oxides, hydroxides, and silicates, to name just afew. Typically, the colloid particles of the present invention have amean diameter of 1 nm to 100 microns, having mean diameters of less than2 microns with diameters of less than one micron being preferred.

Preferred clays are hydrophilic smectite, LAPONITE® and bentonite clayshaving high cationic exchange properties. Other suitable particles areion exchange resin particles, and organic plastic particles havingcharged sites.

In some embodiments, particles are characterized by both large surfaceareas and substantial ion exchange capacities. Such ion exchangecapacities are usually, but not always cation exchange capacities (CEC).It is to be understood that anion exchange resins may also be used,e.g., polyfunctional resins containing quaternary amine groups. Ingeneral where “CEC” is used herein, it should be understood that anionexchange resins may also be used in the appropriate context. The numberof binding sites on a particle may be determined by binding sites permole when the structural formula of the resin is known as modified bysurface characteristics, e.g., surface area due to particle sizeseffects. A number of CEC's are known for particular materials, e.g., forLAPONITE®s used in examples herein are known to have a CEC of about 55.0meq/100 grams. Compositions provided herein are unique in that loadingswell in excess of the CEC may be obtained, e.g., over 125% up to as muchas 250% or more. Loadings in excess of 150% are readily obtained.

Bioactive compositions, e.g., antimicrobial compositions, made accordingto the methods of the present invention use a variety of substrates,examples of which are given below, in addition to a variety of bioactivecompounds that are attached to the substrate. By varying the organicsthat are used for ion exchange to prepare the organo-substrate, theorgano-substrate can be tailored to have either hydrophilic orhydrophobic surface tension properties. Furthermore, by choosing theappropriate carrier substrate, e.g., clay, that is used for additionalattachment of organic onto the organo-substrate, the antimicrobialsproduced can exhibit either hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties. Thisallows the antimicrobials to be used in either aqueous or non-aqueousformulations.

In certain embodiments, active agents comprise a tertiary layer ofparticulates of the present invention. In some embodiments, activeagents (e.g., molecules for forming the tertiary layer) have ahydrophobic moiety (e.g., hydrophobic tail). In other embodiments,active agents (e.g., molecules for forming the tertiary layer) have abiologically active moiety. In particular embodiments, active agents arequaternary compounds. In some embodiments, active agents areantimicrobials, humectants, moisturizers, anti-inflammatory, andnutrients.

In some embodiments, a quaternary compound comprises one or moreantimicrobial agents, including, but not limited to: lauryl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, alkyltrimethyl ammoniumchloride, dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, alkyldimethylbenzylammoniumchloride, alkyldimethyl(ethylbenzyl)ammonium chloride, combinationsthereof, etc. In other embodiments, a quaternary compound comprises oneor more non-antimicrobial conditioning agents, including, but notlimited to: cetrimide, cetrimonium bromide, cetylamidopropyldimethylammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearalkoniumchloride, dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, combinationsthereof, etc.

In various embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more sunscreensand/or UV-blocking agents, including, but not limited to: octylmethoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, titanium dioxide, avobenzone,benzophenone 4, combinations thereof, etc.

Specific, non-limiting examples of suitable hydrophobic activeingredients are: acetretin, albendazole, albuterol, aminoglutethimide,amiodarone, amlodipine, amphetamine, amphotericin B, atorvastatin,atovaquone, azithromycin, baclofen, beclomethasone, benezepril,benzonatate, betamethasone, bicalutanide, budesonide, bupropion,busulfan, butenafine, calcifediol, calcipotriene, calcitriol,camptothecin, candesartan, capsaicin, carbamezepine, carotenes,celecoxib, cerivastatin, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, cholecalciferol,cilostazol, cimetidine, cinnarizine, ciprofloxacin, cisapride,clarithromycin, clemastine, clomiphene, clomipramine, clopidogrel,codeine, coenzyme Q10, cyclobenzaprine, cyclosporin, danazol,dantrolene, dexchlorpheniramine, diclofenac, dicoumarol, digoxin,dehydroepiandrosterone, dihydroergotamine, dihydrotachysterol,dirithromycin, donezepil, efavirenz, eposartan, ergocalciferol,ergotamine, essential fatty acid sources, etodolac, etoposide,famotidine, fenofibrate, fentanyl, fexofenadine, finasteride,fluconazole, flurbiprofen, fluvastatin, fosphenyloin, frovatriptan,furazolidone, gabapentin, gemfibrozil, glibenclamide, glipizide,glyburide, glimepiride, griseofulvin, halofantrine, ibuprofen,irbesartan, irinotecan, isosorbide dinitrate, isotretinoin,itraconazole, ivermectin, ketoconazole, ketorolac, lamotrigine,lansoprazole, leflunomide, lisinopril, loperamide, loratadine,lovastatin, L-thryroxine, lutein, lycopene, medroxyprogesterone,mifepristone, mefloquine, megestrol acetate, methadone, methoxsalen,metronidazole, miconazole, midazolam, miglitol, minoxidil, mitoxantrone,montelukast, nabumetone, nalbuphine, naratriptan, nelfinavir,nifedipine, nilsolidipine, nilutanide, nitrofurantoin, nizatidine,omeprazole, oprevelkin, oestradiol, oxaprozin, paclitaxel, paracalcitol,paroxetine, pentazocine, pioglitazone, pizofetin, pravastatin,prednisolone, probucol, progesterone, pseudoephedrine, pyridostigmine,rabeprazole, raloxifene, rofecoxib, repaglinide, rifabutine,rifapentine, rimexolone, ritanovir, rizatriptan, rosiglitazone,saquinavir, sertraline, sibutramine, sildenafil citrate, simvastatin,sirolimus, spironolactone, sumatriptan, tacrine, tacrolimus, tamoxifen,tamsulosin, targretin, tazarotene, telmisartan, teniposide, terbinafine,terazosin, tetrahydrocannabinol, tiagabine, ticlopidine, tirofibran,tizanidine, topiramate, topotecan, toremifene, tramadol, tretinoin,troglitazone, trovafloxacin, ubidecarenone, valsartan, venlafaxine,verteporfin, vigabatrin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K,zafirlukast, zileuton, zolmitriptan, zolpidem, and zopiclone. Inaddition, salts, isomers and derivatives of the above-listed hydrophobicactive ingredients may also be used, as well as mixtures.

Dispersions may comprise additional compounds including, but not limitedto, emulsifiers, chelating agents, gelling agents, stabilizers,adherents, emollients, dyes, detackifiers, thickeners, nonaqueousmoisturizers, anti-inflammatory agents, skin adherents, and fragrances.

Dispersions may also comprise a detackifier such as phenyl substitutedsilicone fluid, e.g., phenyl trimethicone. In some embodiments, adetackifier also acts as a humectant. In some embodiments, dispersionscomprise an emollient, e.g., pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate.

In certain embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more dyes and/orpigments, including, but not limited to: titanium dioxide, naturalminded and synthetic iron oxides, blends of inorganic oxides and fillers(kaolin, talc, silica, mica), D&C colors, FD&C colors, combinationsthereof, etc. In some embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or moredyes, including, but not limited to: Disperse Red 13, Disperse Green 9,Solvent Black 3, Disperse Blue 148, Disperse Violet 63, Disperse Blue,Disperse Blue 14, Solvent Orange 15, Solvent Orange 7, Solvent Blue 14,Disperse Yellow 82,9-diethylamino-5H-benzo[alpha]phenoxazine-5-one,1-dimethylamino-5-sulfamoyl-naphthalene, pyrene, 1-pyrenecarbaldehyde,Reichardt's dye, 4-aminophthalimide, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phthalimide,bromonapthalene, 2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene, solvatochromatic dye,combinations thereof, etc.

In particular embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or morefragrances, including, but not limited to: tea tree oil, citrus oils(e.g., lemon oil, orange oil, etc.), oils from herbs (e.g., rosemary,oil, thyme oil, oregano oil, etc.), oils from woods (e.g., rosewood oil,cedarwood oil), cinnamaldehydes or cinnamon bark oil, eugenol or cloveflower oil, cineol or eucalyptus oil, camphor or camphor tree oil,geraniol or palmarosa oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, cedrol, etc. Insome embodiments, the present invention provides any suitable essentialoil. In some embodiments, fragrances further provide antimicrobial,fungicidal, and/or insect-repelling functionality.

In some embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more emulsifiers,including, but not limited to: PEG-dimethicones, polyglyceroldimethicones, Sorbian oleate, glyceryl esters, C12-15 alkyl benzoate,castor oil, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetyl esters, cetylpalmitate, diisopropyl adipate, emu oil, isopropyl myristate, isopropylpalmitate, lanolin, mangifera indica seed butter, mineral oil, myristylmyristate, sorbitan oleate, safflower oil, shea butter, stearic acid,stearyl alcohol, calcium stearoyl lactylate, ceteareth-20, cocamide MEA,glyceryl laurate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate and PEG-100stearate, glyceryl stearate SE, glycol distearate, glycol stearate,isoceteth-20, isosteareth-20, lauramide DEA, laureth-23, laureth-4,linoleamide DEA, methyl glucose sesquistearate, oleth-10,oleth-10/polyoxyl 10 oleyl ether NF, Oleth-2, Oleth-20, PEG-100Stearate, PEG-20 Almond Glycerides, PEG-20 Methyl GlucoseSesquistearate, PEG-25 Hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-30dipolyhydroxystearate, PEG-4 dilaurate, PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate,PEG-60 almond glycerides, PEG-laurate, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate,polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85, sodiumstearoyl lactylate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan laurate, sorbitansesquioleate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan stearate and sucrose cocoate,sorbitan trioleate, stearamide MEA, steareth-2, steareth-21,combinations thereof, etc.

Dispersion may comprise one or more humectants, including, but notlimited to: polyglycerol dimethicones, gelatin, glycerin, honey,hyaluronic acid, panthenol, propylene glycol, sodium ammonium lactate,sodium pyrrolidine carboxylic acid, sorbitol, urea, 1,2,6 hexanetriol,Hexylene and Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene glycol, Hexylene Glycol,Panthenol, Phytantriol, Sodium PCA, Triethylene glycol, olyglycerylsorbitol, Glucose, Fructose, Polydextrose, Potassium PCA, HydrogenatedHoney, Inositol, Hexanediol beeswax, Hexanetriol Beeswax, HydrolyzedElastin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Keratin,Erythritol, Capryl glycol, Isoceteth-(3-10, 20, 30), Isolaureth-(3-10,20, 30), Laneth-(5-50), Laureth-(1-30), Steareth-(4-20),Trideceth-(5-50), sucrose, glucose, aloe, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA's),combinations thereof, etc.

In some embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more thickenersand/or stabilizers, including, but not limited to: dimethicone gums,dimethicone cross-polymers, stearic acid, stearic acid with cetylalcohol, cellulose, carbopol, polyacrylic acid, clays, carrageenan,pectin, and locust bean gum, xanthum gum, carbomer (a homopolymer ofacrylic acid with a high molecular weight, which is cross-linked withany of several polyalcohol allyl ethers), combinations thereof, etc.

In certain embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more detackifiersand/or emollients, including, but not limited to: dimethiconecross-polymers, cyclomethicone, plant oils, polyisobutene, squaline,ceramides like lacto-ceramide, essential fatty acids (linoleic acid),fatty acids and esters of fatty alcohols and fatty acids, lanolin,lauric acids, stearic and palmitic acids with carbon chains lengths of16 and 18 (coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and palm kernel oil), ceramides,combinations thereof, etc. In some embodiments proteins are providedthat, like emollients, shrink on the skin (or a wound) leaving a filmthat smoothes the skin, thereby avoiding water loss (e.g., collagen,keratin, elastin, protein mixtures like wheat protein).

In various embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more alcohols,including, but not limited to: acyclic alcohols (e.g., ethanol),isopropyl alcohol, etc.

In other embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more adherentsand/or film formers, including, but not limited to:trimethylsiloxysilicates, acrylates/dimethicones, etc.

In some embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more conditioners,including, but not limited to: dimethicone gums, amine modifiedsilicones, cetrimide, cetrimonium bromide, cetylamidopropyldimethylammonium chloride, combinations thereof, etc.

In particular embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or morepreservatives, including, but not limited to: Phenonip, Parabens andester of parabenzoic acids (phenoxyethanol), antioxidants (tocopherol,BHT, combinations thereof, etc.

In various embodiments, a dispersion comprises one or more oils and/orwaxes, including, but not limited to: aleurites moluccana seed oil,almond oil NF, anhydrous lanolin USP, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil,babassu oil, beeswax, borage seed oil, brazil nut oil, cannibas sativaseed oil, canola oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, carrot seed oil,ceresin, coconut oil, daucus carota sativa root extract, dimethicone,dog rose hips oil, evening primrose oil, grape seed oil, hybridsafflower oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, mangifera indica seedbutter, olive oil, oryza sativa oil, peanut oil NF, petrolatum, PPG-15sterol ether, retinyl palmitate, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil,sweet almond oil, theobroma cacao seed butter, tocopherol, combinationsthereof, etc.

In some embodiments, the compositions may also contain a moisturizingagent (moisturizer). Moisturizers prevent and treat dry skin, protectsensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture, and mask imperfections.Moisturizers are often complex mixtures of chemical agents speciallydesigned to make the external layers of the skin (epidermis) softer andmore pliable, by increasing its water content by reducing evaporation.Naturally occurring skin lipids and sterols, as well as artificial ornatural oils, humectants, emollients, and lubricants, for example may bepart of the moisturizer composition. One example of a moisturizingsubstance that is used in the present invention is glycerin. Other skinmoisturizers that are considered for use in the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to: urea, ammonium lactate, NaPCA,saccharides, simple sugars, hydroscopic salts and glycerin, often foundin combination with an emollient such as Butyrospernum Parkii (Sheabutter) fruit, glycine soja (soybean) sterol and Helianthus Annuus(hybrid sunflower) oil and olive oil. As previously mentioned, anothersuitable moisturizer is gluconolactone combined with sodium benzoate.

Chelating agents, e.g., a gluconate, may be used to chelate substancesthat may interfere with desired reactions and combinations, e.g., Thechelating agent may be present to attract compounds that may interferewith the binding of the quaternary compound with the colloidal substrateChelating agents are not usually required. A chelating agent, e.g., 20%of a 60% solution of gluconic acid and sodium gluconate as determinedafter neutralization, may be present.

Some embodiments provide dispersions in the form of a topicalantimicrobial carrier system wherein the particulate material includes ahydrophilic clay, the secondary layer comprises a quaternary ammoniumcompound and the tertiary layer comprises an antimicrobial compound. Insome embodiments, dispersions comprise a quaternary compound such asbenzethonium chloride. In some embodiments, dispersions are in the formof a topical anti-inflammatory composition, e.g., where the tertiarylayer contains an anti-inflammatory compound such as an omega 3 fattyacid. In some embodiments, dispersions are in the form of a topicalanalgesic, e.g., where the tertiary layer contains capsaicin orlidocaine.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an antimicrobialsystem dispersion including an aqueous continuous phase containing atleast one of an alcohol, a humectant, a moisturizer, and a thickeningagent; a hydrated particulate hydrophilic clay as the submicronparticulate substrate; a quaternary compound having a quaternary groupproviding cationic activity attached to a hydrophobic tail for providingmolecules in the secondary layer for acceptance of molecules for formingthe tertiary layer. The invention may further include the dispersionincluding the tertiary layer.

In certain embodiments, a carrier system of the present invention is anantimicrobial carrier system including, but not limited to: ahydrophilic clay, a quaternary compound having cationic activity, amoisturizer and an emulsifier. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic clayis selected from the group consisting of a hectorite, LAPONITE®,bentonite and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the quaternarycompound is benzethonium chloride. In some embodiments, the moisturizeris olive oil. In some embodiments, the emulsifier is a nonionicemulsifying wax.

Dispersions of the present invention provide significant advantages overadministration of active agents via other carriers and/or systems,including, but not limited to: reduction of toxicity of activeingredients, extended time of activity for active ingredients, timerelease characteristics, controlled release of active ingredients, easeof use, increased active ingredient loads of up to 200% of ion exchangecapacity or greater, reduced irritation and enhanced effectiveness.

The method of the present invention may include the steps of combining ahydrophilic clay in the form of particles having charged sites, with acompound having an ionic moiety and a hydrophobic tail to form apre-combination and introducing the pre-combination into an aqueousphase to obtain an intermediate dispersion and combining a hydrophobicactive compound with the intermediate dispersion to obtain furtherdispersion of particles having a substrate particle combined with anintermediate secondary layer having a hydrophobic tail and a tertiarylayer including the active compound.

Further examples of detailed methods of making and using a dispersion ofthe invention include, but are not limited to the following. In certainembodiments the present invention provides methods of making anantimicrobial carrier system including one or more of the steps of:adding a humectant to deionized water to form an aqueous suspension;uniformly mixing a hydrophilic clay and a quaternary compound; addingwater to the resulting clay and quaternary compound mixture to form ahydrophilic clay-quaternary ammonium compound combination; combining theaqueous suspension and the hydrophilic clay-quaternary ammonium compoundcombination to obtain a suspension; heating the suspension to between 70and 90° C.; dispersing together at least one of a gelling agent, a skinadherent, a humectant, a detackifier, a nonaqueous moisturizer, ananti-inflammatory, an emollient, and an emulsifier to obtain adispersion; heating the dispersion to between 70 and 90° C.; mixing thedispersion with the suspension; drawing a vacuum; and homogenizing theresulting composition. In some embodiments the present inventionprovides methods of making a carrier system for a biologically activecompound having a cationic moiety and a hydrophobic moiety including oneor more of the steps of: mixing the biologically active compound and ahydrophilic clay to form an active compound-hydrophilic clay mixture;suspending the active compound-hydrophilic clay mixture in an aqueousliquid to form a suspension; and incorporating the suspension into acarrier including at least one of a gelling agent, a skin adherent, ahumectant, a detackifier, a moisturizer, an anti-inflammatory, anemollient, and an emulsifier. Any of the above or following methods mayinclude adjusting pH if necessary, e.g., by adding KOH to mixed contentsto adjust the pH to from about 5.2 to 6.2.

The invention also includes a method for topically disinfecting anepidermal surface including the step of contacting the epidermal surfacewith a composition of the invention where a tertiary layer contains anantimicrobial compound.

In a further embodiment, the invention includes a method of topicallyapplying a medicament to an epidermal surface comprising applying acomposition of the invention wherein a tertiary layer contains themedicament.

The present invention finds use in a variety of applications andcompositions. Exemplary applications and compositions are providedbelow. These should not be viewed as limiting; rather, the alterationsand combinations of these embodiments are within the scope of theinvention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide antimicrobial creams,lotions, gels, ointments, and or liquids for application to the skin ofa subject (e.g., antimicrobial hand cream). Such an embodiment, as wellas others provided herein, finds use with subjects, including, but notlimited to: healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, surgeons, patients,pre- and post-operative patients, schools, teachers, students,travelers, flight attendants, sanitation workers etc. Antimicrobialcompositions (e.g. hand creams or gels) may find use in protectingagainst the spread of and/or killing a wide variety of pathogensincluding, but not limited to: gram positive bacteria (e.g.,Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus faecalis, Clostridium spp.,Listeria spp., Bacillus spp., etc.), gram negative bacteria (e.g., E.coli, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp.,Helicobacter, Acinetobacter Baumanii, etc.), yeast (e.g., Candidaalbicans, Cryptococcus Neoformans, Candida glabrata, etc.), mold (e.g.,Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium, Acremonium, etc.), viruses (e.g.,Adenovirus, Influenza virus, Rotavirus, Rhinovirus, etc.), etc. In somepreferred embodiments, the active agent in antimicrobial compositions(e.g., antimicrobial hand cream) is benzethonium chloride. In otherembodiments, co-active agents in antimicrobial compositions (e.g.,antimicrobial hand cream) are conditioners (e.g., stearalkoniumchloride, Masurf FQ20, etc.), moisturizers (e.g., ceramide, borage oil,tocopherol, tocopherol linoleate, etc.), anit-fungal agents (e.g.,miconazole nitrate, metronidazole, eonazole nitrate, clotrimazole,etc.), antimicrobial agents (e.g., essential oils, quaternary ammoniumcompounds (e.g., benzalkonium chloride, benzoyl alcohol, chlorohexidine,Masurf FQ20, etc.)).

In further embodiments, the present invention provides wound careointments, creams, lotions, gels, and or liquids for application towounds of a subject (e.g., human subject, non-human animal subject).Such an embodiment, as well as others provided herein, finds use withsubjects, including, but not limited to: burn patients, woundedpatients/soldiers (including MRSA/VRSA patients), etc. Wound carecompositions (e.g., ointments) find use in protecting against the spreadof and/or killing a wide variety of pathogens including, but not limitedto: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcuspyogenes, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigates in burn patients;and Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative staphylococci,Enterococci, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacterspecies, Proteus mirabilis and Proteus ssp., Klebsiella pneumonia andKlebsiella ssp. Other streptococci, Candida albicans, Group Dstreptococci, Other gram-positive aerobes, Bacteroides fragilis,Streptococcus pyogene, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium, andBacteroids in patients with open wounds. In some embodiments, the activeagents in wound care compositions include, but are not limited to:benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzocaine,hydrophobically modified benzocaine/lidocaine, ionic silver, activatedcharcoal, molecular iodine, polyhexamethyl biguanide, bacitracin,lidocaine, asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, allium cepa,allantoin, etc.

Embodiments of the present invention provide ointments, creams, lotions,gels, and or liquids for the topical treatment of acne in a subject.Such compositions find use in treatment of acne in infants, children,adolescents, teenagers, and/or adults would suffer from various forms ofacne. In some embodiments, acne-treatment compositions find use intreating and/or killing Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus,etc. In some embodiments, the active agent in acne treatmentcompositions include, but are not limited to: benzethonium chloride,hydrophobically modified salicylate, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide,acetone, tea tree oil, isotretinoin (for rosasea, cystic acne),allantoin.

Also provided herein are ointments, creams, lotions, gels, and orliquids for the topical anti-aging treatment. The active agent inanti-aging treatment compositions include, but are not limited to:retinol, palmitic acid, stearic acid allantoin, tartaric acid, lacticacid, malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, 3-hydroxypropanoic aid,tea extracts, copper peptides, coenzyme q10, kinetin, antioxidants,arbutin, astaxanthin, etc.

Ointments, creams, lotions, gels, and or liquids are also provided fororal hygiene. Oral hygiene compositions find use in treating and/orkilling, for example: Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis,Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus salivarius, Lactobacillus sp.,Streptococcus sanguis, Treponema denticola, Fusospirochetes,Veillonella, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans etc. Active agent inoral hygene compositions include, but are not limited to: thymol,eucalyptol, hexetidine, methyl salicylate, menthol, chlorhexidinegluconate, benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethoniumchloride, methylparaben, hydrogen peroxide, domiphen bromide, fluoride,enzymes, calcium, xylitol, etc.

Other embodiments provide ointments, creams, lotions, gels, and orliquids for the topical anti-itch treatment. Active agents in anti-itchtreatment compositions include, but are not limited to: benzethoniumchloride, isotretinoin (for rosasea, cystic acne), clotrimazole,steroids (corticosteroid), hydrocortisone, allantoin, econasole nitrate,etc.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides ointments, creams,lotions, gels, and or liquids for analgesic treatment. Active agents inanalgesic compositions include, but are not limited to: benzethoniumchloride, lidocaine, benzocaine, hydrophobically modifiedbenzocaine/lidocaine, aspirin, benzoyl alcohol, camphorated metacresol,chlorobutanol, etc.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides ointments,creams, lotions, gels, and or liquids for antiperspirant/deodorantapplications. Active agents in antiperspirant/deodorant compositionsinclude, but are not limited to: aluminum salts, titanium salts,chloroacetic acid, sodium bicarbonate, zinc bicarbonate, ethyl citrate,chlorohexidine gluconate, glycerol ether, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, etc.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides ointments, creams,lotions, gels, and or liquids for insect repellants to be applied to theskin of a subject. Active agents in insect repellants compositionsinclude, but are not limited to: N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, otherpesticides <carbaryl, permethrin>, essential oils (e.g., oil ofcitronella, etc.), etc. In some embodiments, the co-active agents ininsect repellants compositions include, but are not limited to:p-aminobenzoic acid, padimete O, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid,cinoxate, Titanium dioxide, dioxylbenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate,menthyl anthranilate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, octylsalicylate, sulisobenzone, trolamine salicylate, avobenzone, ecamsule,zinc oxide, tinosorb M, tinosorb S, mexoryl XL, benzophenone-9

In other embodiments, the present invention finds use as a carrier foragents for specific applications, including treatment and/or preventionof specific pathogens, conditions, or diseases including, but notlimited to: delivery of acyclovir for treatment of herpes, delivery ofdocosan-1-ol for treatment of cold sores, delivery of minoxidil toslow/stop hair loss, or delivery of cinnamon leaf essential oil,dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, palmitoyl oligopeptide, etc.

It should be noted that the disclosed invention is disposed toembodiments in various formulations, such as liquids, creams, lotions,and sprays. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are providedwith the understanding that the present disclosure is intended asillustrative and is not intended to limit the invention to theembodiments described.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular methodology, materials and modifications described and assuch may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only,and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, whichis limited only by the appended claims. Although any methods, devices ormaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the invention, they should not be viewed aslimiting.

EXPERIMENTAL Example I

In experiments conducted during development of embodiments of thepresent invention, in vivo tests using human hands showed that alcoholsanitized hands can become re-contaminated even without coming incontact with a contaminated surface. Microorganisms were identified onalcohol sanitized hands as early as 30 and 60 seconds after applicationof an alcohol based sanitizer and without the hands having touched acontaminated surface. The test protocol for all the Examples discussedhere and below was as follows. Prior to sanitization, each subject'spalms and 3 finger tips were placed on an agar slide to demonstrate presanitization microbial contamination. Tryptic soy agar with appropriateneutralizers was used as the growth medium. Then each subject appliedalcohol based hand sanitizer, rubbed it in thoroughly and allowed it todry. After 30 seconds and not touching anything, each subject'ssanitized palms and 3 finger tips were again placed on an agar slide.After an additional 30 seconds, that is a full minute from application,the subjects' palms and 3 finger tips again were again placed on agarslides. The slides were incubated at 37° C.±1° C. for 18 to 24 hours.The results show that recontamination can occur in as little as 60seconds even without surface contact.

There appears to be a 2.0 log reduction (85.53%) 30 seconds aftertreatment with the alcohol based sanitizer followed by a 1.9 logreduction (79.90%) after 60 seconds indicating the effectiveness of thesanitizer was decreased only 60 seconds after application to the fingertips and palms of the subjects.

Example II

Experiments were conducted during development of embodiments of thepresent invention to determine the difference in microbial reductionbetween an active ingredient bound to clay and a mixture of bound andfree actives. A bentonite clay-benzethonium chloride (BTC) slurry wasmixed by hydrating the clay in water, adding BTC solubilized in water,centrifuging and decanting the supernatant. Table 1 shows the quantitiesused:

TABLE 1 Bentonite- BTC Slurry g (w/w) DI 1973.98 Bentonite 53.76 BTC16.56Both were added to an oil phase having the following components:

OIL PHASE % 200 Fluid 500 CST 2.50 (Corning) polydimethylsiloxane SF15502.50 (GE/Bayer) phenyltrimethicone Mineral Oil 3.00 COSMOWAX J 6.00(Croda) cetearyl alcohol Cetyl Alcohol 7.00Table 2 shows the proportions of the BTC slurry in the bound andfree/bound mixtures:

TABLE 2 50/50 Bentonite- Bentonite- BTC BTC % (w/w) % (w/w) WATER PHASE1 33.55 53.28** WATER PHASE 2 Bentonite-BTC 39.95 19.975 Slurry* FreeBTC 0 0.25 OIL PHASE 26.5 26.5

The Time Kill results are seen in Table 3:

TABLE 3 50/50 Bentonite-BTC Bentonite- S. aureus BTC contact 6538 Log₁₀S. aureus Log₁₀ time (s) (CFU/mL) Reductions 6538 (CFU/mL) Reductions 01.2E+06 1.2E+06 30 2.0E+05 0.92 0.0E+00 6.12 120 1.0E+03 3.02 0.0E+006.12 300 0.0E+00 6.12 0.0E+00 6.12As seen in FIG. 1, the fully bound BTC exhibits a sustained kill whereasthe free BTC showed a fast kill.

A similar test was conducted using a second synthetic clay, LAPONITE®,to form mixtures of bound BTC and a combination of free and bound BTC.The LAPONITE® mixtures were formed similarly to the bentonite describedabove. The Time Kill results are seen in Table 4:

TABLE 4 LAPONITE ®- 50/50 BTC LAPONITE ®- S. aureus BTC contact 6538Log₁₀ S. aureus Log₁₀ time (s) (CFU/mL) Reductions 6538 (CFU/mL)Reductions 0 1.2E+07 1.2E+07 30 2.3E+06 0.89 1.7E+06 0.95 120 1.1E+061.00 1.7E+05 1.95 300 4.8E+05 1.64 2.2E+04 2.90The graph shown in FIG. 2 compares the bound and free (50/50) results:

Example III

A commercially available hydrophobically modified polymer, Polymer SK-Mfrom Dow (polyquaternium 67, quaternized hydroxylethyl cellulosemodified with dimethyl-dodecyl hydrophobic functionality to preventsolution but retaining significant hydrophilic function), was used toreplace the natural clays used in the examples discussed above. AnSK-M-BTC slurry was formed by dry mixing BTC and SK-M then hydratingovernight in water. In an alternate mixing method, SK-M was expanded inhot water and cooled after adding the remaining water. BTC was thenadded and allowed to sit overnight. A mixture was formed adding theslurry to a water-GEOGARD ULTRA-gluconate mixture to complete the waterphase. GEOGUARD ULTRA (Lonza) is a preservative containing glucolactoneand sodium benzoate. The completed water phase was then added to the oilphase. The complete mixture ingredients were:

TABLE 5 % Polymer SK-M, BTC SLURRY DI (QS) 93.00 BTC USP 5 Polymer SK-M2.00 total 7.00 WATER PHASE DI (QS) 60.80 GEOGARD ULTRA 2.00 Gluconate0.20 WATER PHASE 2 Polymer SK-M, BTC slurry 10.00 OIL PHASE Olive oil13.50 COSMOWAX J 13.50 ADJUSTMENTS KOH q.s.The Time Kill results are shown in Table 6:

TABLE 6 POL101 S. aureus contact 6538 Log₁₀ time (s) (CFU/mL) Reductions0 4.5E+09 30 8.5E+05 3.60 60 5.0E+04 4.95 300 0.0E+00 9.45

The increase in kill rate over a lengthened period of time indicatesthat a portion of the BTC is binding to the SK-M.

Example IV

Dispersions were prepared using suspended LAPONITE® clay loaded withbenzethonium chloride. Two different suspensions were tested todetermine ratios of benzethonium chloride bound (B) to the clay relativeto free (F) benzethonium chloride in the suspension and tested againstStaphylococcus aureus at different starting colony forming units (CFU)concentrations.

In a first tube, a 1:1 dilution of each sample was prepared by diluting5.0 mL of test substance in 5.0 mL distilled water. Tube 1 sat in awater bath to allow dispersal at 50° C. followed by vortexing untilhomogeneous. Each diluted sample received a 0.5 mL inoculum at time zeroand 0.5 mL of inoculated test substance was neutralized an 10 mL ofneutralizer in a second tube. 0.1 mL of a sample from tube 2 wasenumerated at the contact times on plates after incubation.

The results are shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Contact Log₁₀ Sample # % Bound/% Free Time Secs CFU/mlreduction 1. 0.2 B/0.3 F 0 2.07E+09 15 9.48E+06 2.3 30 1.22E+05 4.2 603.30E+03 5.8 0  1.8E+08 15  1.65+04 4.04 30 0.00E+00 8.26 60 0.00E+008.26 2. 0.25 B/0.25 F 0  2.07+09 15 2.62E+07 1.9 30 4.41E+05 3.7 608.82E+3  5.4 0 1.80E+08 15 3.97E+04 3.66 30 00.0E+00 8.26 60 00.0E+008.26

The results show that having 0.3% free benzethonium chloride is slightlymore effective than having 0.25% free benzethonium chloride at highconcentrations of the challenge S. aureus but is no more effective at S.aureus concentrations of about 1.80E+08.

Example V

Hydrophilic LAPONITE® clay particulate substrate was dry mixed withbenzethonium chloride quaternary ammonium antimicrobial, hydrated andallowed to set for either 30 minutes or overnight, washed andcentrifuged between washings. The percentage of loading of benzethoniumchloride onto the clay relative to available clay binding sites wasdetermined for washed clay by analytical ashing. Results are shown inTable 8 and in FIG. 3.

From the data, it is apparent that loadings as high as 250% oftheoretical can be obtained which is apparently due to the creation ofat least secondary and tertiary layers.

TABLE 8 Sample Binding Wash Intended Actual Number Time-min. Number CECLoad Load 1 30 1 151 129 2 151 126 3 151 105 2 30 1 303 162 2 303 164 3303 151 3 overnight 1 503 252 2 503 234 3 503 225 4 overnight 2 182 1293 182 117 5 overnight 2 400 218 6 overnight 2 448 228 7 overnight 2 475228 8 overnight 2 502 225 9 30 2 299 184 10 30 2 351 198 11 30 2 374 20712 30 2 402 212

Example VI

Hydrophilic LAPONITE® clay particulate substrate was dry mixed withbenzethonium chloride quaternary ammonium antimicrobial, hydrated andallowed to set for binding and washed three time and centrifuged betweenwashings to obtain a LAPONITE®/BTC suspension. The amount ofbenzethonium chloride used was enough to obtain a percentage of loadingjust over 100 percent of binding sites on the clay. Subsequent toaddition and binding of benzethonium chloride a second compound wasintroduced for binding. The percentage of loading of benzethoniumchloride onto the clay and binding of the second compound relative toavailable clay binding sites (cation exchange capacity, CEC) wasdetermined for washed clay by analytical ashing. The second compound wasadded to the LAPONITE®/BTC slurry in ethanol for binding and then washedwith ethanol.

Although the present invention is not limited to any particularmechanism of action and an understanding of the mechanism of action isnot necessary to practice the present invention, it is believed that thebenzethonium chloride forms an intermediate secondary layer including aplurality of molecules having an ionic moiety (N⁺ ion on thebenzethonium chloride) attracted to at least one of the binding sites onthe clay and the hydrophobic structure on the second compound isattracted to the hydrophobic group on the benzethonium chloride to forma tertiary layer.

Details of preparations are as follows:

1. A. Primary Load:

i) Starting material

benzethonium chloride (BTC)  5.1 grams LAPONITE ® clay 18.0 grams

ii) Ashing Data (ASTM D 5630)

BTC 16.5% (105.7% of CEC) LAPONITE ® Clay 83.5%

B. Secondary Load 1, Vitamin A Palmitate

i) Starting material

LAPONITE ®/BTC from above 25.0 grams Vitamin A Palmitate (Vit-A)  2.8grams

ii) Ashing Data

BTC 16.5% Vit-A 9.1% LAPONITE ® Clay 74.4% Total % of CEC for BTC andVit-A combined is 169.6%.

B. Secondary Load 2, N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET)

i) Starting material

LAPONITE ®/BTC from above 25.0 grams DEET  1.1 grams

ii) Ashing Data

BTC 16.5% DEET 1.3% LAPONITE ® Clay 82.1% Total % of CEC for BTC andDEET combined is 116.2%.

Example VII

Experiments were conducted during development of embodiments of thepresent invention to assess antimicrobial activity using a time-killprocedure. The test material or a dilution of the test material wasexposed to a known population of microorganism for a desired period oftime. The activity of the test material was assessed by removing analiquot of test material/microorganism mixture at a specified samplinginterval (e.g., 30 seconds) and neutralizing the activity with anappropriate neutralizer (Dey Engley Neutralizing Broth) technique. Anysurviving microorganisms in the neutralized test material were thenenumerated. The percent or log₁₀ reduction, or both, was calculated fromeither an initial microbial population or a test blank. For allmicroorganisms tested, the formulation with the Benzalkonium chloridemodified by the technology described herein (PTA 7) out-performed theformulation with the free Benzalkonium chloride (PTA 5) (SEE FIG. 4).

Example VIII

Experiments were conducted during development of embodiments of thepresent invention to measure the permeability of Benzethonium Chloride(Lonza, Gonzalez, Tex.) across a polyester membrane Transwell-ClearInserts on a 24-well plate (Corning), each a diameter of 0.33 cm². Eachsample was prepared with 1×PBS at pH 5.5 to a concentration of 0.5%Benzethonium Chloride. After each well was pretreated with 35 ul of 5%hexadecane/95% hexane, it was allowed to dry for one hour in a fume hoodto insure evaporation of hexane. 100 ul of each fluid was delivered tothe pretreated wells. Controls of 1×PBS at pH 5.5 were also delivered towells. A lid and plastic wrap was used to prevent evaporation of theplate and incubated for 5 hours at room temperature under constant lightshaking (50-100 rpm). The receiver fluid was then transferred to a 4 mlvial and processed. This includes adding 1.2 ml of ethyl acetate to eachvial, mixing well with vortexing and sonication. After centrifuging at3000×rpm for 5 minutes, the organic layer was transferred to the labeledtest tube under nitrogen. Before running sample in a Shimadzu GC-MS itwas reconstituted with 0.5 ml of methanol. Results demonstrate reducedabsorption and thus reduced toxicity for the Benzethonium chloridebioclay over Benzethonium chloride alone (See Table 9 and FIG. 5).

TABLE 9 BTC MEAN SAMPLE CODE CONC. CEC % % STDEV Benzethonium ChlorideBTC 0.50% N/A 11.60 0.28 Benzethonium Chloride B16 0.50% 213.9 0.63 0.82Bioclay Benzethonium Chloride B4 0.50% 93.7 0.00 0.00 Bioclay

We claim:
 1. An antimicrobial composition comprising a dispersion, saiddispersion comprising a dispersed phase within an aqueous phase, saidcomposition comprising: a) a layered hydrous magnesium silicate clayhaving binding sites in said dispersed phase; and b) a quaternaryammonium compound in said dispersed phase; wherein said antimicrobialcomposition is made by the method of: i) dry mixing said layered hydrousmagnesium silicate clay and said quaternary ammonium compound to producea mixture; ii) adding water to said mixture to form a suspension; andiii) incubating said suspension in said water to form an antimicrobialcomposition wherein said quaternary ammonium compound is loaded intosaid layered hydrous magnesium silicate clay with a percentage loadingrelative to available layered hydrous magnesium silicate clay bindingsites of greater than 200%.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein saidquaternary ammonium compound is benzethonium chloride.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said aqueous phase comprises deionizedwater.
 4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an emulsifier.5. The composition of claim 1, wherein said emulsifier is selected fromthe group consisting of emulsifying wax and mineral oil.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising a humectant in said aqueousphase.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein said humectant is selectedfrom the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquidsilicone.
 8. The composition of claim 1, further comprisingpolydimethylsiloxane.
 9. The composition of claim 1, further comprisingan emollient, detackifier, moisturizer, thickener, or chelating agent.10. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an antimicrobialagent, an analgesic, an anti-fungal agent, or an anti-inflammatoryagent.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein said dispersion has a pHof 5.2 to 6.2.
 12. The composition of claim 1, further comprising apathogenic organism.
 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein saidpathogenic organism is selected from the group consisting ofStaphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus faecalis, Clostridium spp.,Listeria spp., Bacillus spp., E. coli, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Salmonella spp., Helicobacter, Acinetobacter Baumanii,Candida albicans, Cryptococcus Neoformans, Candida glabrata, Aspergillusniger, Cladosporium, and Acremonium.
 14. The composition of claim 13,wherein said pathogenic organism is Staphylococcus aureus.
 15. Thecomposition of claim 14, wherein said dispersion is formulated toproduce a 2 log reduction or higher of Staphylococcus aureus in lessthan 30 seconds of contact with said Staphylococcus aureus.